May Update

Ten years ago this summer I was at a camp with high school students when God began leading my heart toward campus ministry. Long story short, I arrived at OU as the Campus Minister for Reach Out on Campus just a few short months later. I went in with wide-eyed optimism, thinking that campus ministry would be a breeze… after all I had spent nearly ten years working with high school students right up to their departure for college. I thought “How much different could this be?” Turns out, it was indeed very different. I learned a lot those first couple years. I learned about the ins and outs of campus ministry, the spiritual and emotional needs of college students, and of course I learned a lot about God’s faithfulness.

As ROC approaches it’s 50th year of ministry this fall and it’s 50th anniversary in 2025, I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of the ministry for 10 of those years. ROC has in so many ways shaped not only the students we have served, but has also shaped my family, and perhaps most of all, me. So many deep bonds and lifelong friendships we value deeply are a result of my role in the ROC community. So many experiences and memories of retreats, Crosswalks, mission trips, and deep conversations in the ROC house that are simply irreplaceable.

Last summer at the end of the semester my wife and I began praying for the next year and the future of ROC. Through our prayers and a series of long conversations, it became apparent to us both that my time at ROC was coming to an end. Not for any negative reason, but rather for many positive ones. Reasons such as the health of the ministry, the strength of the student leaders, the ROC staff, and an amazing Board of Directors. Honestly the 2023-2024 school year was one of the most incredible of all the years I’ve been at ROC.

I can tell you that the ROC Board is already moving forward in finding a candidate to fill my position. I am extremely excited about the direction that things are moving in that regard. I can also tell you that although I may be stepping out of my role as Campus Minister / Director, that my passion for ROC and seeing college students come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him hasn’t changed, and I’ll be doing everything possible to help set ROC and this next individual up for success.

As far as what’s next for my family and I, we are still exploring some exciting doors that God is opening. I would certainly appreciate your prayers as we seek to find where God is leading us next. I would also appreciate your prayers for ROC during this time of transition.

One last time, I want to thank each one of you for your love and support over these past ten years as well as for your ongoing support of the ministry. I’ve been blessed to be able to meet many of you, but still so many that even though I’ve never met you in person, your faithfulness to Jesus and His mission to reach people with the Gospel still serve as a blessing to myself and so many others. Peace out my brothers and sisters in Christ, I love you all, and have been blessed to be able to serve ROC through your generosity.

In Christ,

-Dodger